AfriYAN Ethiopia, in collaboration with UNICEF U-Report and Plan International, successfully conducted a full-day Advocacy Workshop under the theme “Youth Voices, Youth Action: Empowering Young Advocates for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)” at Kebena House in Addis Ababa.
The workshop brought together young advocates to strengthen their understanding of advocacy, build their confidence and voices, and explore practical ways to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights through meaningful youth engagement and action.
Building Advocacy Knowledge and Skills
The day began with registration, networking, and an introduction to AfriYAN Ethiopia, the Plan International Ethiopia Youth Advisory Panel, and UNICEF Ethiopia U-Report.
Participants then explored the foundations of youth advocacy followed by an interactive theatre performance using storytelling to explore SRHR issues.
Through case scenario discussions and group reflections, young advocates had the opportunity to examine real-world challenges, exchange perspectives, and think critically about how advocacy can contribute to change.
Learning From Each Other
The workshop also created space for youth-to-youth experience sharing, allowing participants to learn from invited youth advocates and their experiences.
Rather than keeping advocacy at the level of theory, participants worked together to develop practical advocacy action plans. Groups presented their ideas and received feedback from their peers, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and collective problem-solving.
The program concluded with a panel discussion featuring youth representatives, followed by closing remarks and a group photo.
From Youth Voices to Youth Action
The workshop reinforced a simple but powerful message: when young people are given the knowledge, space, and opportunity to speak, their voices can create real change.
The workshop aimed to equip young people with foundational advocacy knowledge and skills, strengthen their understanding of SRHR and youth advocacy, develop youth-led action plans, encourage future social media advocacy initiatives, and strengthen collaboration among youth organizations.
Youth voices matter. Youth action matters. Our future depends on both
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